Otoplasty / Ear Surgery.

This is the treatment of ear deformities. The most well known of these is "ear pinning."

Prominent ears are usually caused by an overgrowth of cartilage and folds that do not develop in one or both ears. It is relatively easy to make incisions behind the ear and create these folds.

In newborns, these ear problems may be treated without surgery using splints. Children are usually treated around school age - 6 to 10 years old. Because of their age, it does require anaesthesia.

These procedures in adults can sometimes be performed with minimal anaesthesia and local injections of lidocaine.

After surgery, it is necessary to protect the ears for 6 to 8 weeks, usually with a headband. Contact sports must also be curtailed for a while after surgery.

Typically, insurance will not pay for otoplasty unless there is a severe developmental deformity requiring a significant reconstruction.

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